Does Red Light Therapy Work for Wrinkles? Study Achieves 31.6% Reduction

31.6% Wrinkle Volume Decrease in 4 Weeks

A 2023 study[1] tested amber and red light for wrinkle reduction. 137 women in this study were between 40 and 65 years old. They received ten red light therapy sessions over four weeks. They received a 660 nm red light on one side of the face and 590 nm amber (yellow) light on the other. Using an objective measurement scale, researchers found that the red light corresponded to a 31.6% reduction in total wrinkle volume. The amber light produced a 29.9% reduction in wrinkles.

On two self-reporting “quality of life scales,” the women reported significantly higher scores. This study shows that red and amber light are almost equally effective at reducing wrinkles by 30% in just four weeks.

Significant Wrinkle Reduction

Researchers tested white and red light on wrinkle reduction in a 2017 study[2]. One group received white and red light, and the second received only red light. Both groups had a significant reduction in wrinkle volume. Researchers speculate that the white group with red light benefited from red light. The white light did not have a bioactive effect, but this remains to be tested.

Fewer Wrinkles, Better Texture

Researchers published a 2020 study[3] in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology examining the effects of a red light therapy mask on 24 women. They compared skin before and after eight weeks of therapy twice weekly. Compared to the baseline, the post-treatment skin was more elastic and moist, had better texture and gloss, and had significantly fewer wrinkles.

9% Decrease in Crow’s Feet

A 2020 study published in The Journal of Biophotonics[4] tested red light therapy for reducing crow’s feet wrinkles. One group used a facial skin serum; the other used the serum plus red light therapy. Compared to the control group using serum, the red light therapy group had:

• 7% increase in skin smoothness
• 9% decrease in Crow’s feet wrinkles
• 9% “lifting effect” on the skin

Red Light Therapy Wrinkle Science

Red light therapy supports fibroblasts, elastin, and collagen fibers. Fibroblasts support healthy tissue. Elastin provides skin support, and collagen provides skin structure. Red light therapy promotes cell turnover and fresh, healthy tissue, which fills in and erases wrinkles and lines.

A 2010 study[5] found that a 1064 nm laser initiated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) expression, increasing collagen production and inhibiting degradation. TGF-β regulates the balance between synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix, particularly collagen. It stimulates the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins while inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade the extracellular matrix.

A 532 nm laser increased Interleukin 6 (IL-6) expression, possibly causing collagen formation. IL-6 is a protein cytokine that activates some immune responses. Dysregulated IL-6 is common in many disease states. MMPs are enzymes involved in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix. They cleave collagen, elastin, laminin, and fibronectin. MMPs are also involved in tissue remodeling, wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer. Elevated MMP-1 is a key factor contributing to skin aging and collagen degradation.

A 2021 study [6] found:

• Low-energy red light increases MMP-1 expression, encouraging collagen production.
• High-energy red light decreases MMP-1, allowing for collagen breakdown.

A 2016 study [7] found:

• 595 nm and 630 nm downregulated MMP-1, increasing collagen production.
• The results lasted at least 21 days.

Side Effects of Popular Wrinkle Therapies